By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the killing of at least 13 persons in Ngbra Zongo community of Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the incident as part of a worsening pattern of mass killings and government inaction.

In a statement issued on May 9, 2027 and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group said the latest attack, which also left several others injured, showed what it called “a continued failure of the state to protect citizens.”

“The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) strongly condemns the latest barbaric and blood-curdling massacre of innocent citizens in Ngbra Zongo community,” the group said, adding that “Plateau State has been abandoned to bloodthirsty killers who continue to invade communities, slaughter defenceless citizens and disappear without resistance or consequences.”

HURIWA accused the Federal Government of showing “indifference” to repeated killings in the state, claiming that official responses had been limited to routine condemnations without decisive action.

“We blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose insensitivity and reckless view of the killings as direct political attack on his second term ambition has made him not to confront these killers, arrest them, prosecute them and ensure maximum sentence,” the statement read.

The group also criticised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alleging what it described as weak leadership in responding to insecurity.

“We blame the Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang for his lack of idea on how to stand with his people,” HURIWA said, adding that the administration had “demonstrated again and again a total sense of lack of any workable plans to prevent the ongoing genocides of their people.”

The association further alleged that political realignments in the state had not translated into improved security outcomes, stating that “even after the Plateau State governor jumped into the ruling party, the President and his party still abandoned the people of Plateau State.”

HURIWA warned that continued failure to prosecute perpetrators of mass killings was emboldening attackers and weakening public confidence in security institutions.

“The continuous failure to arrest, prosecute and publicly expose the masterminds behind these atrocities is emboldening criminal elements and deepening public distrust,” the group said.

The organisation called for reinforced security deployment to vulnerable communities, particularly in Bassa and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, and demanded an independent investigation into the recurring attacks.

HURIWA urged authorities to move beyond statements of condemnation, insisting that “the blood of innocent Nigerians must not become cheaper than political convenience.”